Discussions about what to do about the cost of the TOPS program are ongoing, and the state’s top higher education policy making board is looking at options. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says one proposed change would require those getting the award to take 30 credit hours a year instead of 24. He says right now just 40 percent of TOPS students graduate in 4 years…:
CUT 8 (11) “a paycheck”
Any changes to the program would not take effect until 2018.

State and New Orleans City officials announced today that WWE’s Wrestlemania is once again returning to the Big Easy. Governor John Bel Edwards, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu were all on hand for this morning’s announcement that the premier wrestling event will be back in Louisiana in 2018.

For the first time since closing its doors following Hurricane Katrina, the state is going to clean out Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Jerry Jones withe LSU Heath New Orleans’ Facility Planning says this has been 10 years coming…:
CUT 12 (09) “reuse”
He says the facilities contain asbestos, mold, chemicals, and other hazardous materials, and the process should take about 180 days.

Many plants and vegetation were affected by this weekend’s freeze and Emelie Gunn explains they may not be destroyed…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”